Saint Alphonsa
Stored in Cargo: Saint Alphonsa
| Saint Alphonsa | |
| Feast Day | July 28 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Against illness, Kerala |
| Birthplace | Kudamaloor, Kerala, India |
| Death Place | Bharananganam, Kerala, India |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes (illness) |
| Primary Shrine | St. Mary’s Forane Church, Bharananganam, India |
Saint Alphonsa (1910 AD – 1946 AD), born Anna Muttathupadathu, was an Indian nun of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, known for her suffering and sanctity. Born in Kudamaloor, Kerala, she endured illness, teaching and praying in Bharananganam. Canonized in 2008 AD by Pope Benedict XVI, she is venerated for her patience.[1]
Alphonsa is the patron saint of those against illness and Kerala, with her feast day on 28 July. Honored in Catholic and Syro-Malabar Church, her relics at St. Mary’s Forane Church, Bharananganam, draw pilgrims. Her example inspires endurance.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Alphonsa was born on 19 August 1910 AD in Kudamaloor, Kerala, India, to a Syro-Malabar Catholic family.[1] Christened Anna, Kerala’s Christian culture shaped her faith. Her mother died in infancy, and relatives raised her.
Her early piety led to a religious vocation.[3]
Early Life
Anna joined the Franciscan Clarist Congregation in Changanassery at 17, taking the name Alphonsa in 1928 AD.[4] She taught school but suffered chronic illnesses, including tumors and infections. Her patient endurance in Bharananganam inspired her community.
Her writings reflect spiritual resilience.[5]
Occupation
Alphonsa was a nun and educator.[1] She taught children in Changanassery until illness confined her. Her “occupation” became prayer and suffering, offered for others, strengthening her convent’s faith.
Her sanctity drew local devotion.[6]
Vocation
Alphonsa’s religious vocation began with her vows in 1936 AD.[1] Despite frail health, she lived ascetically in Bharananganam, uniting her pain with Christ’s. Her example inspired Kerala’s Catholics, fostering vocations.
Her legacy endures in her congregation.[7]
Death
Alphonsa died on 28 July 1946 AD in Bharananganam, Kerala, from illness, aged 35.[1] She passed in her convent, surrounded by sisters. Her death sparked devotion.
Buried at St. Mary’s Forane Church, her relics draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
- Joined Clarists, 1928 AD.[5]
- Took final vows, 1936 AD.[6]
- Suffered chronic illness, 1930–1946 AD.[4]
- Died in Bharananganam, 1946 AD.[1]
- Canonized, 2008 AD.[8]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Kudamaloor, Kerala, India
Death location: Bharananganam, Kerala, India
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
Alphonsa’s sainthood process began in 1953 AD, initiated by her diocese.[3] Her writings supported sanctity. Testimonies from sisters advanced her cause.
Venerable
Alphonsa was declared Venerable in 1984 AD by Pope John Paul II.[1] Her heroic virtue was cited. Church reviews of her diaries formalized her cult.
This boosted devotion in India.[5]
Beatification
Alphonsa was beatified on 8 February 1986 AD by Pope John Paul II.[1] A child’s healing from clubfoot in 1985 AD was verified. Her beatification inspired Syro-Malabar Catholics.
Shrines emerged in Bharananganam.[6]
Canonization
Alphonsa was canonized on 12 October 2008 AD by Pope Benedict XVI.[1] A boy’s healing from kidney disease in 2007 AD was confirmed. Her feast day of 28 July was set.
Her sainthood celebrated Indian faith.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
A child’s recovery from clubfoot in 1985 AD was verified for beatification.[1] Medical evidence confirmed the miracle.
This strengthened her cult.[2]
Miracle for canonization
A boy’s healing from kidney disease in 2007 AD was verified for canonization.[8] Church investigations upheld authenticity.
This solidified her sainthood.[6]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Alphonsa is the patron saint of those against illness and Kerala.[2] Her patronage supports the sick.[9]
Feast day
Alphonsa’s feast day is 28 July, celebrated with Masses in Bharananganam and Syro-Malabar Church.[1] Pilgrimages to her shrine mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Alphonsa is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to St. Mary’s Forane Church.[2] The sick seek her intercession. Her relics are displayed on her feast day.
Depicted with a rosary, her suffering, noted in X posts, inspires endurance.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
- No published works; legacy in diaries.[3]
External links
- CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Alphonsa
- Catholic.org: St. Alphonsa
- Franciscan Media: Saint Alphonsa
- Catholic News Agency: St. Alphonsa
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Alphonsa". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-alphonsa/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "St. Alphonsa". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=6996. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Alphonsa". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01347a.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Alphonsa". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Alphonsa. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Alphonsa". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-alphonsa/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "St. Alphonsa". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-alphonsa-593. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Fr. Joseph Thomas. "St. Mary’s Forane Church". Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Changanassery. https://www.bharananganamchurch.org/history. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "Canonization of Alphonsa". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/homilies/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20081012_canonizzazioni.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Alphonsa". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-alphonsa. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Alphonsa, Kerala’s Saint". CatholicSaints via X. 28 July 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/alphonsa2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.